The Calgary Stampede: a Fun Family Event or Parental Challenge?
Palo Alto, California (PRWEB) July 01, 2013 -- Calgary, Alberta is a welcoming, outdoorsy, and fun-loving city year-round, and for 10 days every July, the city's Western hospitality soars during the Calgary Stampede. While exciting, the Stampede can be overwhelming for families, especially this year. Over one million visitors will flock to Calgary this July 5-14 to experience world-renowned rodeo action, Western shows, agricultural activities, North America's largest mobile midway, and music festivals, and despite challenges, parents can ensure a positive visit.
Trekaroo can help parents find kid-approved Calgary lodging, plus attractions geared for kids on and off the Stampede grounds. As in past years, beat the crowds, save money, and experience the best of the Calgary Stampede by following the been there, done that advice of Trekaroo experts:
Get into the cowboy spirit:
When heading to the Stampede, be sure to get into the spirit of things by wearing cowboy hats and Western wear. Even folks who wouldn't be caught dead in a cowboy hat the rest of the year can't help themselves during the Stampede. Visitors who don't own their own have plenty of opportunities to purchase something special at the event.
- Trekaroo editor-in-chief Sharlene Earnshaw
Don't become overwhelmed:
The Calgary Stampede can be summed up in one word...spectacle. Whirring rides, flashing lights, loud music and delicious smells blend together into an exciting and sometimes tiring experience. When visiting the Stampede with small children, definitely bring a small stroller or wagon. The Stampede grounds are vast and parking is often far away. Packing a small cooler with water and snacks puts healthy choices within reach.
On the grounds, don't miss the kid-friendly characters your children know and love, including Dora the Explorer and Sponge Bob at the BMO Kids' Zone, and make sure to check out the Agrium Ag-tivity in the City in the Agriculture Building. Family friendly events include Agrium Seed Survivor, Country Critters, Kids' Tractor Pull and much more.
Keep things manageable:
Instead of staying up late to see the Grandstand Show and fighting crowds to view the Stampede Parade, keep things small with the lower-key (but just as fun) Bowness Parade. When evening descends, head home!
- Trekaroo member Merry120, Merry Kuchle of MerrywithChildren.com
One day may be enough:
It gets busy around town during the Stampede. Local families know that sometimes, one of the best things to do during the Stampede is flee town: visit the Stampede for a day, but then get out to the mountains for family-friendly activities in Kananaskis and Banff. Go camping, take a day off and go for a picnic, or check out hiking trails.
- Tanya Koob of RockiesFamilyAdventures.com
Head to other Calgary family-friendly attractions:
Though the 10-day extravaganza of the Stampede offers free pancake breakfasts and petting zoos across the city, kiddie attractions at Stampede Park are packed. Calgary travel experts suggest skipping the lines and heading to Calaway Park, the Calgary Zoo or Heritage Park, all relatively quiet during Stampede.
- Jody Robbins of TravelswithBaggage.com
Eat a good breakfast at home:
Not every family banking on the free breakfast offered to the first 20,000 people through the gates (on Family Day) will make the cut. Finding a place to purchase breakfast can prove to be a task worthy of an Amazing Race competitor, and families will need a strong sense of humor while hunting it down. Instead, eat a good breakfast before arriving, and leave the Stampede at that magic moment after just enough fun but before becoming too tired to walk back to the parking lot.
- Trekaroo member LifeWhereWeAre, Misty Hamel of LifeWhereWeAre.com
Plan ahead for best cost and time savings:
Before visiting the Stampede, visitors should google 'stampede coupons' for plenty of deals, and pre-buy admission passes to save even more money (available at Safeway stores, among others). Families should pack light snacks for the day to save time and money at concession stands, and get a locker early in the day if planning to do any shopping, as they sell out quickly. Pre-plan the day's activities by checking the scheduled events on the official Calgary Stampede website, and take advantage of free admission on Family Day only if prepared to deal with crowds.
- Jennifer Descheneau of ModernMama.com/Calgary
Trekaroo is the fun way to get the inside scoop on everyday travel with kids. With thousands of kid-friendly activities, hotels, and restaurants, Trekaroo unearths delightful discoveries near and far. Learn more about Trekaroo's Canada launch and connect with additional travel-savvy families on Trekaroo.com.
Amy Whitley, Trekaroo, http://www.trekaroo.com, 541-779-9642, [email protected]
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